3 Easy Weekend Home Renovation Projects

Personalizing your space can be done easily, working with what you have, and in one weekend. Basic skills are all you need.

Garden Shed Crate Cabinets

These custom cabinets, made from vintage wine or pop bottle crates, can be used to keep a shed in order during the busy start of gardening season. Or, set them up in a basement playroom to keep toys in order, or a mud room to organize shoes.

You’ll need:

Wooden crates in various heights and widths

Wood screws

Cup hooks (optional)

How to:

Stack crates horizontally and vertically up against a shed wall to create a layout you like. Turn some crates over on their side to use as bases for others to stand on.

Connect crates at their corners with wood screws and collars so each stack is secure.

For more storage within each crate, hang cup hooks for gloves and small tools. Or, divide up space by stacking smaller baskets or crates within each compartment.

Bathroom Storage Cubbies

Stash rolled-up towels or toiletries in these space-saving wall fixtures made from pieces of plywood. If you’re aiming to clear up some counter space in a small bathroom, these shelves offer a simple solution.

For each cubby, you’ll need:

Two pieces of plywood, 12 X 9 X ¾ inches

Two pieces of plywood, 10 ½ X 9 inches

One piece of 12-inch square plywood

Wood glue

Finishing nails 1 ½ inch long

Sandpaper

Primer and paint

How to:

Glue the ends of the bottom and top pieces of plywood to the inside edges of the side pieces, and secure with finishing nails at each corner. Glue on the back, and secure with finishing nails.

After the box is dry, sand, prime and paint.

Mount a hanging bracket on the back of each and hang on the wall using a nail, or screw directly into the wall through the back and paint the screws to cover. Arrange shelves in a vertical line, or in an irregular layout you see fit.

Mudroom Storage Bench

In spring, the mudroom can quickly get cluttered with wet jackets and dirty boots. Stay neat and organized with this storage bench that doubles as a space to keep shoes, and a spot to sit while pulling them off and on.

You’ll need:

A sturdy wooden box or crate

Four rolling casters

One piece of plywood the same dimensions as the top of the box

One length of upholstery foam, 2-inches thick

One length of fabric three inches larger than the plywood on all sides

Mounting screws

Scissors and a ruler

Spray glue and a staple gun

How to:

Turn the crate onto its side and screw one caster into each of its four corners with mounting screws. Set aside.

Sand down the edges of the piece of plywood until smooth.

Place the foam down on the floor, then place the plywood on top. Cut the foam to match the size of the wood.

Place fabric face-down on the floor, and place the foam and then plywood on top, centred. Fold the fabric over the edges of the plywood tightly, and staple the excess down to the underside. Place the lid on the crate.

To protect the interior of your storage bench from water, line the bottom with cookie sheets and drying racks to set boots on.

While these minor renovation projects can be completed in a weekend, if you wish to undertake major renovations this spring, like the addition of a garage, pool, or deck, it’s your responsibility as a home owner to notify your insurance company.